Give Sachin emotional space: Anil

OUR BUREAU &AMP; AGENCIES

Calcutta/New Delhi: A couple of days after Bishan Singh Bedi told The Telegraph that only those who have played at least 150 Tests should be analysing Sachin Tendulkar’s game, another former captain Anil Kumble has hit out at critics.

In his column for a magazine, Kumble said Tendulkar should be left alone and given the “emotional space” and respect he deserves.

Tendulkar’s prolonged lean patch led many people to question his place in the team but Kumble says it’s not the time to point fingers at him but support him.

“There have been instances when he has been the sole reason for India’s wins, but he has never been the sole reason for India’s losses. It’s best to leave it to him to deal with what is in front of him now, because no one else has been in his position. No one else has played 192 Tests, made 34,000 runs, or scored 100 centuries. Let’s not jump the gun, let’s give the man the respect he deserves,” Kumble wrote.

“For 23 years, he has helped people dream, he has made them feel better emotionally.

“More’s the reason why we need to give him his emotional space now,” he wrote. “...This is the time for him to be left alone.” he added.